Director, Real Estate

Recipe Unlimited Corporation is Canada's leading full service restaurant company. Home to such iconic brands as Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, St.Hubert, Montana's, Olive Garden Canada,  Bier Markt, East Side Mario's, The Landing Restaurant Group, New York Fries, The Pickle Barrel & Catering, State & Main, Elephant and Castle, Original Joe's, Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, The Burger's Priest, Blanco Cantina and Anejo. With this diverse portfolio of restaurants our Home Office Teammates have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of some of the most popular, well-loved brands in Canada. Variety isn't the only thing we offer – we are passionate about our industry, we celebrate and support diversity of thought, we are innately curious and encourage our Teammates to take ownership. Above all else, we believe in doing the right thing for our people, our communities and our planet.

The Director, Real Estate is responsible for leading and overseeing all new store leasing functions for all Recipe Unlimited brands in the respective territory across Canada. In this role, you will also deliver on the strategic retail growth plans for all brands to meet business objectives.

What you will do in this role:

• Prepare and present executive presentations of all Real Estate Proposals/Deals in the respective territory. This includes, but not limited to; preparing letters of intent/proposals prior to Real Estate Committee approvals. Coordinate with brand leads, construction, legal, market planning and finance for required supporting documentation and economics for these submissions.
• Evaluate markets with brands and market planning and develop strategic growth plans for their respective territories for market prioritization and implementation.
• Perform market analysis of all potential sites and manage site selection process, using business management tools such as Sitewise and Smartsheet.
• Provide strategic direction on required relocations, expansions, etc. to enhance the growth portfolio in the respective territory.
• Inform the company of competitive and unique marketplace/retail characteristics by specific regions that are of value to the company.
• Deliver on the strategic objectives for new store growth.
• Negotiate terms and conditions in the respective territory for all term sheets, letters of intent, leases, and lease amending agreements, working closely with the legal, design, and construction teams.
• Collaborate with both external and internal cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are opened on time and on budget.
• Manage all new store real estate initiatives including leasing processes.
• Maintain a pipeline of future business opportunities in the respective territory to ensure that we are on target to meet growth plans over the next several years.
• Build strong partnerships with shopping centre developers and landlords throughout Canada to obtain relevant and timely information on their sites and promote Recipe brands. Ensure that we are the first call for new store opportunities.
• Ensure that all existing store real estate related issues are investigated and resolved with a sense of urgency and commitment as required. Provide solutions in a timely fashion to our franchise partners as well as corporate General Managers.
• Provide Disposition support by liaising with the Real Estate Managers who are negotiating with landlords to get underperforming assets via lease buyouts to minimize Recipe's financial exposure.
• Coach and mentor direct reports on their markets, deals, process improvements and development.
• Work on special projects as required.

What we are looking for from you:

• Business Degree in business administration, real estate, or accounting
• At least 10 years of experience in a related field.
• Working knowledge of retail commercial real estate, business law, retail financing and accounting principles
• Property Management Experience
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact independently with various levels of management across the company.
• Strong negotiation skills and understanding of retail commercial lease terms and leases
• Strong relationships within the landlord community
• Detail oriented and highly organized
• Skilled in time management and the ability to prioritize tasks
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Data oriented with a proven ability to analyze, interpret and synthesize data, making recommendations to drive the business.
• Ability to coach and develop direct reports.
• Proactive with a sense of urgency

What's in it for you?

• Flexible/Hybrid work environment
• You'd be joining a close-knit, innovative team of creative and energetic go-getters
• You'd be a part of Canada's largest full-service restaurant company that leads the industry in size and innovation
• 20% associate discount dining card and monthly dining allowance valid at participating Recipe brands
• A welcoming, fun and safe work environment founded on respect
• Career advancement opportunities with a company that owns some of Canada's most iconic restaurant brands
• Industry-leading benefits, wellness programs, and total rewards programs

Recipe is committed to providing a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. Celebrating people, being passionate and curious, owning it, and doing the right thing are the values that guide how we build our teams, support our franchisees and create a company that unlocks the full potential of everyone.

Recipe is dedicated to providing accommodations in accordance with applicable human rights and accommodation legislation. For individuals that require accommodations please contact